New York Giants fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones appears to be finally settling into the job, even if the Giants haven’t moved to further their relationship.
The sixth overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft was inconsistent and rudderless in his first three seasons, having played under two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators.
This year, Jones has a more solid support staff around him. Head coach Brain Daboll helped make Josh Allen a star in Buffalo and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka’s last charge (Patrick Mahomes) we hear is pretty good, too.
Jones has not lit up the New Jersey skies with footballs this season with just 12 touchdown passes to his credit but his four interceptions are the lowest of any quarterback who has started all of their team’s games this season.
“I think I’ve improved in some of those decision-making situations,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday. “Protecting the ball is a big part of the game at this position. I’ll try to keep doing that as well as I can. But a lot of credit to our group — I think when you protect the ball, that’s a group thing. We’ve got to be on the same page, a lot of trust in the receivers being in the right spots. They’ve done a good job doing that, and good job with the coaches also.”
Jones is completing a career-high 66.0 percent of his passes in leading the Giants to an 8-5-1 record but is averaging a career-low 192.4 yards passing per game.
That is basically due to the Giants’ game script plus the lack of quality playmakers at the skill positions. Jones has done just enough in most games to win, which is his ultimate goal to begin with.
“Each game’s different. But I think I’ve gotten a better idea of what does win in the NFL. A lot of times, it’s not what you would think. I think it has a lot to do with taking care of the ball, staying in good situations for the offense, executing on critical downs and scoring in the red zone. But I think I’ve improved a lot since my rookie year,” Jones said.
Jones has drastically cut down on his turnovers — he’s lost only three fumbles this season despite being sacked 41 times (third highest in the NFL) and hurried 47 times. Only Mahomes has been hurried more.
Jones has supplemented his efficient passing by making key contributions with his legs. His 583 rushing yards are career-high and there are still three games left.
Quick note: This season, when Jones rushes 10 times or more in a game, the Giants are 4-0-1 and are 4-5 when he doesn’t.
